Notice of Motion to Vacate Judgment and Declaration (SC-135) Ask the Small Claims judge to cancel the decision they made in your case. Get form SC-135.
When the plaintiff receives the copy of the motion you mailed to her, she can file an opposition with the court. You should receive her opposition in the mail. In the opposition, the plaintiff will explain to the judge why she believes the default judgment should not be set aside.
A motion to vacate allows a party to request that the court nullify or overturn a previous ruling. This motion is often filed when a party believes the decision was based on a mistake, fraud, or other grounds that render the judgment invalid or unfair.
Excusable Default Excusable default is the most common reason for vacating a default judgment. It has two parts: (1) a reasonable excuse for not filing an Answer within the 30 day time; and (2) a meritorious defense (a good defense).
How to ask for a default Fill out request for default. Request for Entry of Default (form CIV-100) ... If ready, also fill out forms to ask for a judgement. Judgment (form JUD-100) ... Mail copies to the defendant. Make at least 2 copies of everything. File forms. Bring the Request for Default to the court clerk.
This involves: Filing a Motion: Submit a formal motion to the court requesting that the default be overturned. Providing a Reason: Explain why you failed to respond and provide evidence supporting your claim. Demonstrating a Defense: Show that you have a valid defense to the plaintiff's claims.
When the plaintiff receives the copy of the motion you mailed to her, she can file an opposition with the court. You should receive her opposition in the mail. In the opposition, the plaintiff will explain to the judge why she believes the default judgment should not be set aside.
If you do not think the default judgment was appropriately entered against you, you must file a motion with the court asking the judge to “set aside” (void or nullify) the judgment. If the judge grants your motion, the case starts back up again.
If you don't file an Answer or you miss a court date, the party suing you will ask the court for a default judgment against you. You can ask the court to vacate (undo) the default judgment. If the judgment is vacated and the case is put back on the court's calendar and the case will continue.